3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze (1998) (50th Anniversary)

bottling date: 21/11/1998

A special blend of lambic and an extra-ordinary Oude Geuze all-around. Blended and bottled in 1998, to be released only 5 years later, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of 3 Fonteinen. This label featured for the first time an artwork of Felix De Boeck, called "Nachtlichten" (Night Lights).

3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze Vintage is a blend of one-, two-, and three-year old lambics. Instead of releasing them after minimum 6 months of bottle conditioning, the vintage series have been cellared for at least three years up to even five years and longer before being released. For an Oude Geuze to become a Vintage, it features characteristics that are unique, sometimes surprising or outspoken. Spontaneous fermentation, patient maturation in oak barrels, and continued evolution of the ecosystem in the bottle result in a distinctively complex and elegant natural beer. No two bottlings are alike, as there are multiple variables in the blending process, a variety of barrel sizes and shapes, differences in aged lambic proportions in the blend, etc. When cellared properly, 3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze can be aged for several decades. The aromas and flavours will evolve from notes of vibrant fresh citrus, zesty and grassy notes to a mellow, oaky, stone fruit bouquet as the lambic continues to develop with time. Lambic and Geuze are living, cultural heritage rooted in the Zenne valley! Show Less